Slowman... but I don't want to get smaller wheels !?!?

Triathlon Forum
1

Dan, first of all, thank you for all the articles on TT frames and bikes. I have read most of them.

Could you let us shorter people who have spent all their ( and their wife’s) hard earned cash on 700c race wheels in on which small TT frames that still acommodate 700c wheels you would go for ??

I know the P2K is one, since you said you liked the SL better because it is in 650 in that ‘transition’ zome between short and tall. How about the Felt B2 in size 52cm ?? What do you think of that one ?

I guess my question is ‘What companies are good at making a 700c small TT frame’ (even if you think they shouldn’t) ?

2

“‘What companies are good at making a 700c small TT frame’ (even if you think they shouldn’t)”

i’d have to think about that but, generally, your problem is in getting low enough. for that, i have three solutions:

  1. you’ll do better with bikes that have integrated headsets
  2. your big gain will be in choosing aero bars with low profile armrests
  3. certain threadless stems, profile’s H2O as an example, have deep drops, like 25° or so.

this should take care of your problem. while the larger wheels might not make for an optimal bike, at least you’ll be able to get low enough.

otherwise, bikes with chainstays at or shorter than 39cm, and those with head angles 72° or shallower (to allow for sufficiently short top tubes while also giving you enough front/center. and, finally, the bike should be as short in the effective top tube as possible, unless it’s already short enough it fits just right.

3

Thanks Dan.

Maybe this could become an article topic for one of your great pieces on ‘Who are you ?’

This one could be ‘Small Stubborn Steve’ or ‘Tiny Tenacious Trev’ because he doesn’t want to change wheels but is short and should.

Thanks again, I’ll follow your advice.

Trev

4

Tri poser,

The Guru Trilite, TriTi and Carbonio Tri come in a 51 cm frame size with 700 wheels. they have a 76 seat angle, 72.5 seat tube angle, 39.5 cm chain stay, ~ 10 cm head tube (can’t remember but you can check the specs on their web site). Top tube is around 50 cm (again check the specs) and it handles as well as a road bike even while riding aero.

I’m 5’6" and the 51 fits me like a glove. If I had the coin though, I would upgrade from the Trilite to the TriTi or the Carbonio Tri for the ride quality. The Aluminium is harsh after being a Kestel 200’s for the past 14 years.

Dev

5

I just bought a 51" Javelin Arcole…and it takes 700c wheels.

6

Both the Giant TCR Aero and K2 (T9 if it is for your wife) make affordable small 700c tri frames with 75 degree seat tubes and integrated headsets.

You could get the K2 from Tri-Sport today for $640 + shipping right now with there 20% off sale. That is a dang steal for a nice frame.

7

I’m 5’7" and find a good fit with a QR Lucero S700, with 72cm of saddle heigh drop from saddle to armrests is 14cm and I has 1.5cm of spacers so it could be lower.

(Head Tube=8.5cm Head Tube Angle=72.5 Top Tube=50.5cm Chainstay=38.4 SeatTubeAngle=77) from http://www.rooworld.com/bikes/2005/geometry.aspx?b=luce

I like this bike and to be able to share race wheels with my road Trek 5500.

Ale.